EP0488364A3 - Method and apparatus for securing integrated circuits from unauthorized use - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for securing integrated circuits from unauthorized use Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0488364A3
EP0488364A3 EP19910120505 EP91120505A EP0488364A3 EP 0488364 A3 EP0488364 A3 EP 0488364A3 EP 19910120505 EP19910120505 EP 19910120505 EP 91120505 A EP91120505 A EP 91120505A EP 0488364 A3 EP0488364 A3 EP 0488364A3
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
integrated circuits
unauthorized use
securing integrated
securing
unauthorized
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP19910120505
Other versions
EP0488364B1 (en
EP0488364A2 (en
Inventor
Faik S. Ozdemir
Robert L. Seliger
Gerald B. Rosenberg
Randall L. Kubena
Wayne A. Schenet
Alexander R. Lepis
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
DirecTV Group Inc
Original Assignee
Hughes Aircraft Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hughes Aircraft Co filed Critical Hughes Aircraft Co
Publication of EP0488364A2 publication Critical patent/EP0488364A2/en
Publication of EP0488364A3 publication Critical patent/EP0488364A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0488364B1 publication Critical patent/EP0488364B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
    • H01L23/58—Structural electrical arrangements for semiconductor devices not otherwise provided for, e.g. in combination with batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L27/00—Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate
    • H01L27/02—Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including semiconductor components specially adapted for rectifying, oscillating, amplifying or switching and having at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier; including integrated passive circuit elements with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier
    • H01L27/04—Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including semiconductor components specially adapted for rectifying, oscillating, amplifying or switching and having at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier; including integrated passive circuit elements with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier the substrate being a semiconductor body
    • H01L27/10—Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including semiconductor components specially adapted for rectifying, oscillating, amplifying or switching and having at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier; including integrated passive circuit elements with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier the substrate being a semiconductor body including a plurality of individual components in a repetitive configuration
    • H01L27/118—Masterslice integrated circuits
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/10—Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material ; Digital rights management [DRM]
    • G06F21/101—Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material ; Digital rights management [DRM] by binding digital rights to specific entities
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
    • G06F21/71—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure computing or processing of information
    • G06F21/73—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure computing or processing of information by creating or determining hardware identification, e.g. serial numbers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
    • H01L23/57—Protection from inspection, reverse engineering or tampering
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
    • H01L23/57—Protection from inspection, reverse engineering or tampering
    • H01L23/573—Protection from inspection, reverse engineering or tampering using passive means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L27/00—Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate
    • H01L27/02—Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including semiconductor components specially adapted for rectifying, oscillating, amplifying or switching and having at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier; including integrated passive circuit elements with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L27/00—Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate
    • H01L27/02—Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including semiconductor components specially adapted for rectifying, oscillating, amplifying or switching and having at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier; including integrated passive circuit elements with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier
    • H01L27/04—Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including semiconductor components specially adapted for rectifying, oscillating, amplifying or switching and having at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier; including integrated passive circuit elements with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier the substrate being a semiconductor body
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L2223/00—Details relating to semiconductor or other solid state devices covered by the group H01L23/00
    • H01L2223/544—Marks applied to semiconductor devices or parts
    • H01L2223/54433—Marks applied to semiconductor devices or parts containing identification or tracking information
    • H01L2223/5444—Marks applied to semiconductor devices or parts containing identification or tracking information for electrical read out
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
    • H01L2924/0001—Technical content checked by a classifier
    • H01L2924/0002—Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
EP91120505A 1987-09-24 1988-05-19 Electrical circuit system secured against unauthorized use and method of fabricating the same Expired - Lifetime EP0488364B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/101,529 US4766516A (en) 1987-09-24 1987-09-24 Method and apparatus for securing integrated circuits from unauthorized copying and use
US101529 1987-09-24
EP88906604A EP0335919B1 (en) 1987-09-24 1988-05-19 System and method for securing integrated circuits from unauthorized copying

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88906604.9 Division 1988-05-19
EP88906604A Division EP0335919B1 (en) 1987-09-24 1988-05-19 System and method for securing integrated circuits from unauthorized copying

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0488364A2 EP0488364A2 (en) 1992-06-03
EP0488364A3 true EP0488364A3 (en) 1992-07-15
EP0488364B1 EP0488364B1 (en) 2000-10-11

Family

ID=22285121

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88906604A Expired - Lifetime EP0335919B1 (en) 1987-09-24 1988-05-19 System and method for securing integrated circuits from unauthorized copying
EP91120505A Expired - Lifetime EP0488364B1 (en) 1987-09-24 1988-05-19 Electrical circuit system secured against unauthorized use and method of fabricating the same

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88906604A Expired - Lifetime EP0335919B1 (en) 1987-09-24 1988-05-19 System and method for securing integrated circuits from unauthorized copying

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US4766516A (en)
EP (2) EP0335919B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH088305B2 (en)
KR (1) KR920008418B1 (en)
DE (2) DE3851620T2 (en)
WO (1) WO1989003124A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (65)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH01129328A (en) * 1987-11-13 1989-05-22 Toshiba Corp Copy preventing device
US4920402A (en) * 1988-02-15 1990-04-24 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Integrated circuit device
US4908226A (en) * 1988-05-23 1990-03-13 Hughes Aircraft Company Selective area nucleation and growth method for metal chemical vapor deposition using focused ion beams
JPH0375827A (en) * 1989-08-18 1991-03-29 Toshiba Corp Copy prevention device
US5121335A (en) * 1990-02-09 1992-06-09 Hughes Aircraft Company Method and apparatus for verifying microcircuit fabrication procedure
DE4005003C2 (en) * 1990-02-19 2001-09-13 Steve Cordell Method of preventing knowledge of the structure or function of an integrated circuit
US5163005A (en) * 1990-12-19 1992-11-10 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Method of cloning printed wiring boards
US5070603A (en) * 1991-01-31 1991-12-10 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Method of separating multi-layer printed circuit wiring boards
US5199159A (en) * 1991-01-31 1993-04-06 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Methods for cryogenic removal of epoxy/wire field windings and for separating multi-layer printed circuit wiring boards
US5428923A (en) * 1991-02-25 1995-07-04 Gmi Holdings, Inc. Fail safe obstruction detector for door operators and door operator system incorporating such detector
US5146117A (en) * 1991-04-01 1992-09-08 Hughes Aircraft Company Convertible multi-function microelectronic logic gate structure and method of fabricating the same
US5072331A (en) * 1991-04-26 1991-12-10 Hughes Aircraft Company Secure circuit structure
US6782479B1 (en) * 1991-04-26 2004-08-24 Raytheon Company Apparatus and method for inhibiting analysis of a secure circuit
US5202591A (en) * 1991-08-09 1993-04-13 Hughes Aircraft Company Dynamic circuit disguise for microelectronic integrated digital logic circuits
DE69333881T2 (en) * 1992-07-31 2006-07-13 Hughes Electronics Corp., El Segundo Integrated circuit safety system and method with implanted connections
US5511223A (en) * 1992-11-25 1996-04-23 The B&W Nuclear Service Company Diverse processor electronic protection and control module
US5452229A (en) * 1992-12-18 1995-09-19 Lattice Semiconductor Corporation Programmable integrated-circuit switch
DE19526672A1 (en) * 1995-07-21 1997-01-23 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Data carrier with integrated circuit
US5783846A (en) * 1995-09-22 1998-07-21 Hughes Electronics Corporation Digital circuit with transistor geometry and channel stops providing camouflage against reverse engineering
JP2795234B2 (en) * 1995-10-16 1998-09-10 日本電気株式会社 Semiconductor integrated circuit
US5751595A (en) * 1996-03-14 1998-05-12 International Business Machines Corporation Method for building and verifying authenticity of a rule system
US5861652A (en) * 1996-03-28 1999-01-19 Symbios, Inc. Method and apparatus for protecting functions imbedded within an integrated circuit from reverse engineering
US5965867A (en) * 1996-07-19 1999-10-12 Gieseke & Devrient Gmbh Data medium incorporating integrated circuits
US5973375A (en) * 1997-06-06 1999-10-26 Hughes Electronics Corporation Camouflaged circuit structure with step implants
DE59810179D1 (en) * 1997-07-29 2003-12-18 Infineon Technologies Ag METHOD FOR PRODUCING A READ-ONLY MEMORY
DE19737693A1 (en) * 1997-08-29 1999-03-04 Philips Patentverwaltung Method for checking the genuineness of an electrical circuit
CA2260436C (en) 1998-01-28 2007-11-27 Chipworks Inc. Automated method of circuit analysis
JPH11282671A (en) * 1998-03-31 1999-10-15 Texas Instr Japan Ltd Computer system
US6161213A (en) * 1999-02-17 2000-12-12 Icid, Llc System for providing an integrated circuit with a unique identification
FI990414A (en) * 1999-02-26 2000-08-27 Nokia Multimedia Network Terminals Oy Method and switching arrangement to prevent unauthorized access to a microprocessor
US6326675B1 (en) * 1999-03-18 2001-12-04 Philips Semiconductor, Inc. Semiconductor device with transparent link area for silicide applications and fabrication thereof
US6396368B1 (en) 1999-11-10 2002-05-28 Hrl Laboratories, Llc CMOS-compatible MEM switches and method of making
US6246254B1 (en) * 1999-12-06 2001-06-12 International Business Machines Corporation Method and circuit for providing copy protection in an application-specific integrated circuit
DE19962915A1 (en) 1999-12-23 2001-09-06 Intelligent Implants Gmbh Device for the protected operation of neuroprostheses and method therefor
GB2361567B (en) * 2000-04-18 2004-02-11 Mitel Corp Hardware authentication system and method
US7217977B2 (en) 2004-04-19 2007-05-15 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Covert transformation of transistor properties as a circuit protection method
US6815816B1 (en) * 2000-10-25 2004-11-09 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Implanted hidden interconnections in a semiconductor device for preventing reverse engineering
US7316934B2 (en) * 2000-12-18 2008-01-08 Zavitan Semiconductors, Inc. Personalized hardware
US7294935B2 (en) * 2001-01-24 2007-11-13 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Integrated circuits protected against reverse engineering and method for fabricating the same using an apparent metal contact line terminating on field oxide
US6791191B2 (en) 2001-01-24 2004-09-14 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Integrated circuits protected against reverse engineering and method for fabricating the same using vias without metal terminations
JP4899248B2 (en) * 2001-04-02 2012-03-21 富士通セミコンダクター株式会社 Semiconductor integrated circuit
US6740942B2 (en) 2001-06-15 2004-05-25 Hrl Laboratories, Llc. Permanently on transistor implemented using a double polysilicon layer CMOS process with buried contact
US6774413B2 (en) * 2001-06-15 2004-08-10 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Integrated circuit structure with programmable connector/isolator
US20030075746A1 (en) * 2001-10-22 2003-04-24 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Semiconductor device for determining identification code and application thereof
US6897535B2 (en) 2002-05-14 2005-05-24 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Integrated circuit with reverse engineering protection
US7049667B2 (en) 2002-09-27 2006-05-23 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Conductive channel pseudo block process and circuit to inhibit reverse engineering
US6979606B2 (en) 2002-11-22 2005-12-27 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Use of silicon block process step to camouflage a false transistor
JP4846239B2 (en) * 2002-12-13 2011-12-28 エイチアールエル ラボラトリーズ，エルエルシー Modification of integrated circuits using well implantation.
GB0410975D0 (en) * 2004-05-17 2004-06-16 Nds Ltd Chip shielding system and method
US7242063B1 (en) 2004-06-29 2007-07-10 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Symmetric non-intrusive and covert technique to render a transistor permanently non-operable
JP2006128975A (en) * 2004-10-28 2006-05-18 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Semiconductor device
US8168487B2 (en) 2006-09-28 2012-05-01 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Programmable connection and isolation of active regions in an integrated circuit using ambiguous features to confuse a reverse engineer
US7453281B2 (en) * 2007-01-11 2008-11-18 International Business Machines Corporation Integrated circuit with anti-counterfeiting measures
US20080282206A1 (en) * 2007-01-11 2008-11-13 Brent Alan Anderson Structure for Designing an Integrated Circuit Having Anti-counterfeiting Measures
US20080282208A1 (en) * 2007-01-11 2008-11-13 Brent Alan Anderson Integrated Circuit Having Anti-counterfeiting Measures
US7994042B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2011-08-09 International Business Machines Corporation Techniques for impeding reverse engineering
FR2973564A1 (en) * 2011-04-01 2012-10-05 St Microelectronics Rousset SECURING A PLATE OF ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
WO2014109961A1 (en) * 2013-01-11 2014-07-17 Static Control Components, Inc. Semiconductor device having features to prevent reverse engineering
US8407656B2 (en) 2011-06-24 2013-03-26 International Business Machines Corporation Method and structure for a transistor having a relatively large threshold voltage variation range and for a random number generator incorporating multiple essentially identical transistors having such a large threshold voltage variation range
US9443733B2 (en) 2013-11-04 2016-09-13 Marvell World Trade Ltd. Method and apparatus for authenticating a semiconductor die
US9502405B1 (en) * 2015-08-27 2016-11-22 International Business Machines Corporation Semiconductor device with authentication code
GB201609781D0 (en) 2016-06-03 2016-07-20 Irdeto Bv Secured chip
US9942761B1 (en) 2016-10-10 2018-04-10 International Business Machines Corporation User access verification
IL256108B (en) 2017-12-04 2021-02-28 Elbit Systems Ltd System and method for detecting usage condition and authentication of an article of manufacture
US11176300B2 (en) * 2018-02-03 2021-11-16 Irdeto B.V. Systems and methods for creating individualized processing chips and assemblies

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4139864A (en) * 1976-01-14 1979-02-13 Schulman Lawrence S Security system for a solid state device
US4267578A (en) * 1974-08-26 1981-05-12 Texas Instruments Incorporated Calculator system with anti-theft feature
US4603381A (en) * 1982-06-30 1986-07-29 Texas Instruments Incorporated Use of implant process for programming ROM type processor for encryption

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3430564A (en) * 1967-05-03 1969-03-04 Us Navy Explosive gate,diode and switch
DE1589705A1 (en) * 1967-11-15 1970-04-30 Itt Ind Gmbh Deutsche Integrated circuit containing multiple electrical functional levels
US3721838A (en) * 1970-12-21 1973-03-20 Ibm Repairable semiconductor circuit element and method of manufacture
FR2471051A1 (en) * 1979-11-30 1981-06-12 Dassault Electronique INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH MOS TRANSISTORS PROTECTING AGAINST THE ANALYSIS AND CARD COMPRISING SUCH A CIRCUIT
FR2486717A1 (en) * 1980-07-08 1982-01-15 Dassault Electronique Transistor circuit providing coding on credit card - uses mock components with properties determined by doping to prevent decoding by examination under microscope
JPS5745270A (en) * 1980-08-29 1982-03-15 Fujitsu Ltd Semiconductor device
US4583011A (en) * 1983-11-01 1986-04-15 Standard Microsystems Corp. Circuit to prevent pirating of an MOS circuit

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4267578A (en) * 1974-08-26 1981-05-12 Texas Instruments Incorporated Calculator system with anti-theft feature
US4139864A (en) * 1976-01-14 1979-02-13 Schulman Lawrence S Security system for a solid state device
US4603381A (en) * 1982-06-30 1986-07-29 Texas Instruments Incorporated Use of implant process for programming ROM type processor for encryption

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
IBM TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE BULLETIN. vol. 23, no. 4, September 1980, NEW YORK US pages 1421 - 1422; COULLAHAN: 'Part number and test verification scheme' *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4766516A (en) 1988-08-23
JPH088305B2 (en) 1996-01-29
KR890702250A (en) 1989-12-23
DE3856432T2 (en) 2001-06-13
EP0488364B1 (en) 2000-10-11
DE3851620T2 (en) 1995-05-11
JPH02501428A (en) 1990-05-17
DE3856432D1 (en) 2000-11-16
WO1989003124A1 (en) 1989-04-06
DE3851620D1 (en) 1994-10-27
KR920008418B1 (en) 1992-09-28
EP0335919B1 (en) 1994-09-21
EP0488364A2 (en) 1992-06-03
EP0335919A1 (en) 1989-10-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0488364A3 (en) Method and apparatus for securing integrated circuits from unauthorized use
USRE34293F1 (en) Ligament attachment method and apparatus
GB8900594D0 (en) Knowledge based method and apparatus for designing integrated circuits using functional specifications
EP0484141A3 (en) Method and apparatus for testing integrated circuits
ZA946593B (en) Methods and apparatus for producing integrated circuit devices
EP0297502A3 (en) Method of and apparatus for sputtering, and integrated circuit device
GB2216264B (en) Navigation apparatus and matching method for navigation
GB2278689B (en) Method and apparatus for testing integrated circuits
IL95504A0 (en) Image-compression method and apparatus
EP0426563A3 (en) Method and apparatus for logging spontaneous potential
KR960016175B1 (en) Exposing method and apparatus thereof
ZW14888A1 (en) Emulsification method and apparatus
IL85639A0 (en) Electronic locking apparatus
IL83501A0 (en) Method and apparatus for mr imaging
HUT60179A (en) Method and apparatus for belt-grinding generating processes
EP0422525A3 (en) Exposing method and apparatus
GB8912240D0 (en) Apparatus and method
GB2238740B (en) Sand treatment method and apparatus
ZA884831B (en) Method and apparatus for photoepilation and electroepilation
EP0428391A3 (en) Method and apparatus for beautificating drawings
GB9025071D0 (en) Method and apparatus
GB8915757D0 (en) Desoldering method and apparatus for integrated circuits
KR970004510B1 (en) Apparatus and method for data induced condition signaling
GB2230698B (en) Explosive-screening apparatus and method
EP0557004A3 (en) Apparatus and method for electronic impositioning

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19911129

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 335919

Country of ref document: EP

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950306

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: HE HOLDINGS, INC.

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: HUGHES ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 335919

Country of ref document: EP

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3856432

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20001116

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20070425

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20070412

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20070411

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20080518

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20080518